Also contributing to the new 13-part series is Ann Druyan, a collaborator on the original Cosmos mini-series, and former host Carl Sagan's widow.

Because educational programming is outside his typical portfolio, MacFarlane considers himself the "least essential person" on the project, but as Evan Bernstein correctly points out, MacFarlane's role stems from his clout with Fox, which is the network set to broadcast the new project in 2013. Neil deGrasse Tyson will host the show, but will provide more input than a mere talking-head considering his PhD in Astrophysics.

There's no mistaking that MacFarlane gets it, however, as evident by his quotes in the New York Times:

“We’re obsessed with angels and vampires and whatnot,” Mr. MacFarlane, 37, said in a telephone interview, “when there are many more exciting and very real and much more spectacular things to be excited about, that are right in our own planetary backyard.” (source)

I just hope they don't screw it up! I have high expectations, especially since Seth MacFarlane is a member of what I consider the atheist media Triforce comprised of himself, Trey Parker and Matt Stone (South Park), and Ricky Gervais (The Office). Blast those atheists and their incredibly successful television programming!

I was going to make an "atheist media Triforce + Neil" but it just doesn't look right. Don't mess with the Legend of Zelda. Sorry Neil!